Premier League clubs have unanimously voted to resume contact training as four more individuals from three sides have tested positive for coronavirus.
A total of 1,008 players and staff were tested in the third round of testing.
Phase two of ‘Project Restart’ will see players “train as a group and engage in tackling while minimising unnecessary close contact”, the league said.
So far 12 people have tested positive after 2,752 tests across the league.
Premier League players and staff will continue to be tested twice a week for coronavirus, with the capacity increased from 50 to 60 tests available per club for the fourth round of testing.
Any players or staff to test positive must self-isolate for a period of seven days.
The decision to return to contact training was agreed following consultation with clubs, players, managers, the Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA), the League Managers’ Association (LMA) and the government.
Plans for the third phase of Project Restart include a step towards normal training and build-up to competitive games.
